Dragons RFC back row Evan Minto scored a stunning solo try but Wales suffered a heart-breaking 34-27 defeat to Argentina in their opening Pool B clash of the U20 World Championship at Payanini Center in Verona.
The defeat will leave a bitter pill to swallow for Richard Whiffin’s side after Wales lead 24-7 at one stage in the first half before going into the sheds at halftime with a 24-19 lead.
Played in 32 degree heat, both sides played free flowing rugby throughout but Argentina’s power game ultimately proved too much for Harry Beddall’s gallant side who gave as good as they got throughout.
Wales had a dream start when Argentina fullback Pascal Senillosa deliberately knocked down a Steffan Emanuel pass to Jack Woods in the third minute. A penalty try was awarded and Senillosa was sent to the sin bin.
Despite taking the game to Argentina, Harry Beddall’s side were unable to breach the defence while Los Pumitas were down a man.
The Welsh defence suddenly found themselves on the back foot as Argentina began to gain territory and possession. Tomas Rapetti was denied by some staunch defence on the try-line but it was only moments later when hooker Tadeo Ledesma powered over with a posse of defenders hanging off him. Rafael Benedit’s conversion tied it up at 7-7 after 15mins.
Both back rows made their presence felt but Argentina suffered a blow when No 8 Agustín Garcia Campos was sent to the bin for a cynical knock down after Sam Scott burst clear. Harri Ford stepped up to knock over the penalty to put Wales 10-7 ahead after 20mins.
Wales claimed their second try of the game in the 24th minute when Steffan Emanuel prospered from a great burst from fellow centre Osian Roberts who put the Cardiff midfielder clear. Ford’s excellent conversion put Wales 17-7 ahead.
No 8 Evan Minto then roared over from 35m when he sliced through the Argentina defence like a hot knife through butter to give Ford an easy conversion to put Richard Whiffan’s side 24-7 ahead with 10 minutes remaining of the first half.
Back to a full complement of players, Argentina went back to type and used their brute force to power Rapetti over to drag themselves back into the game.
From nowhere, Argentina caught Wales napping when right winger Timoteo Silva evaded opposite number Aidan Boshoff from a quickly taken line-out to scamper 50m to score next to the posts to give Benedit an easy conversion as Wales saw their handy lead slip to just five points.
From the restart Argentina went on the attack and Rapetti used his raw power to collect his second try of the game. Benedit squandered the opportunity to put his side in front when his conversion struck an upright.
Wales nearly hit back immediately but Ioan Emmanuel knocked the ball on in the act of scoring.
Ford put Wales back in front with a long range penalty in the 50th minute but the lead was short lived when Benedit replied two minutes later to make it 27-27.
Replacement fly half Harri Wilde missed a straight-forward shot at goal and then Louie Trevett had a try chalked off after Deian Gwynne was ruled to have performed a croc roll in the lead-up to the try.
Wales paid the ultimate price when Argentina worked their way back deep into opposition territory and went back to their strength – the pick and go. Eventually their patience was rewarded when the influential Campos ploughed over from close range. The successful conversion put Argentina 34-27 ahead with two minutes remaining and they were able to keep their line intact to claim victory.
